StilLearning – I had to laugh at this one, it might have been a straightforward story, but it was so well told, the main character had such a good voice that it was a bit of Christmas magic. And how clever is it to end with a line that is both sinister and amusing!
Aun – Another clever twist on the theme, here though we see a different side to the bloodsuckers, where they seem to follow strictures of the season, giving it respect and curbing their appetite accordingly. A well told story and a great idea.
Kylara – Vampire dragons! I mean vampire dragons! There is a whole universe waiting to be explored there, especially dragons that can change form to boot. There is an undercurrent of humour as well which makes it all the more entertaining. The last line is just about perfect. (I really like the idea of them trying to catch Santa too!)
Cul – In a world where everything has gone, where the population seems to mostly have been converted to vampires, there is still a sign of hope. Life continues as best it can, even interaction between loved ones, no matter what undead divide. I like the idea of still celebrating Christmas, interlaced with a thought that comes across as casually normal about what trees make the best stakes. Another excellent entry.
Ursa – The confusion between St. Nick and Old Nick is a small one apparently. One wrong word and everything changes. Not for the better. The payoff turning Santa into something sinister that has made his Faustian deal and has to live with it. The line about the chimneys is an absolute classic and turns them into something sinister.
PM – As I have come to expect a totally wonderful poem. It is also one of the ones that is not dark at all rather full of all the fun of a party. How great is that vampires and humans getting on together in the spirit of the season? The end of the truce is inevitable, but all the fun before hand is worth it. I need not comment on how well constructed the poem is. (Or I just did!)
Stephen4444 – Another spectacular story and even this ate in the day it is original too. It really caught my attention, an epic story in its own right, and it is amazing at how much was squeezed into so few words. Angels as elves as vampires is clever enough, their jealousy of man takes it to another level, but the final twist that Santa protecting the Christ child get him the reward of those creatures as helpers is brilliant.
TJ – And Panto just manages to squeeze itself into the challenge (Oh no it doesn’t – oh yes it does!). The idea is a clever and once again different one, and is done well, but what deserves the biggest tip of the hat is the fact that we got a description of what all the characters are, for those who might not know pantomime without distracting from the story, in fact becoming part of it.
) a lot of critiquing to do, and the fact that I couldn't get an even half-decent idea!! Will be refreshing to vote, though...
